The Old Paratrooper Podcast

Chris Binch
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

A no frills podcast, just an ex Paratrooper, mercenary and firefighter chatting to a wide variety and diverse range of guests. From actors to sports personalities to military guests and veterans covering a multitude of topics from there careers ,life in general to how people cope with various forms of mental health. Sometimes funny , sometimes emotional but hopefully entertaining and something people can relate to. https://youtube.com/@theoldparatrooperpodcast?si=lehGKUW0MlvaiRl6

  1. 3d ago

    Karl Hinett: The Soldier Who Was Burned Alive and Refused to Give Up

    One moment he was a soldier fighting in Iraq. The next, he was engulfed in flames, trapped inside a burning armoured vehicle, fighting for his life. For former British Army soldier Karl Hinett, life changed in a matter of seconds.Drenched in petrol and surrounded by flames, Karl experienced a level of terror most of us could never begin to imagine. Trapped with nowhere to escape, he suffered devastating burns that would change his life forever.But surviving the fire was only the beginning.What followed was a gruelling journey through physical pain, rehabilitation, mental battles and the challenge of rebuilding a life after unimaginable trauma. For many, simply surviving such an ordeal would have been enough.But Karl wasn't finished. Not even close.Rather than allowing his injuries to dictate what he could achieve, Karl went on to push his body and mind to extraordinary limits.From running ultramarathons to taking on some of the world's toughest endurance events, Karl has continued to challenge himself in ways that would test even the fittest individuals. Marathons, extreme-distance running, gruelling endurance challenges and events that demand relentless physical and mental determination became part of his journey. A man who once fought to survive inside a burning vehicle went on to test the very limits of human endurance.From fighting for his life to pushing himself beyond limits most people would never dare approach.But behind the medals, achievements and extraordinary physical resilience is another story. The psychological scars of war, the impact of trauma and the battles that don't simply disappear because the physical wounds have healed.In this episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast, Karl opens up about the day he was engulfed in flames, the terrifying moments that followed, his recovery, the mental battles and how endurance sport became such a significant part of his life. We discuss war, survival, severe burns, mental health, ultramarathons, resilience, purpose and what it really takes to rebuild yourself when life has been turned upside down.This isn't another motivational story about being tough. It's about a man who has experienced unimaginable pain, stared death in the face and refused to let that moment write the rest of his story.An extraordinary individual whose journey demonstrates that resilience isn't about never suffering. It's about what you choose to do in the face of that suffering. 🎙️ The Old Paratrooper Podcast Presents: Karl HinettHe survived the flames. Then he went looking for his limits. Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below. https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation. https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch #veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #KarlHinett #BritishArmy #IraqWar #Veterans #UltraMarathon #Endurance #MentalHealth #Resilience #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranMentalHealth #Survival

  2. Oct 20

    CHRIS RYAN: Unconscious Bias or Racism? Where Do We Draw the Line?

    Is it unconscious bias, or is it racism? And where exactly do we draw the line?FULL PODCAST ON THE LINK BELOWhttps://youtu.be/ZU-zOcPhcvE?si=cNQcj3Pu5sfnxaYfFormer SAS soldier and bestselling author Chris Ryan joins The Old Paratrooper Podcast for a conversation about one of the most divisive subjects in society today.We explore unconscious bias, racism, personal experiences, stereotypes and how our upbringing and life experiences can shape the way we see others.Are we sometimes too quick to label people? Can someone hold an unconscious bias without being racist? And have we reached a point where people are afraid to have honest conversations for fear of being judged?It's a subject that often divides opinion, but that doesn't mean we should shy away from discussing it.At The Old Paratrooper Podcast, we believe in open conversations, challenging perspectives and allowing people to make up their own minds.What's your opinion? Is there a clear difference between unconscious bias and racism?Let us know in the comments. Keep it respectful.Subscribe to The Old Paratrooper Podcast for more honest, unfiltered conversations.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas #ChrisRyan #SAS #UnconsciousBias #Racism #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #Debate #MilitaryPodcast

  3. Oct 18

    101-Year-Old WW2 Paratrooper: D-Day, Battle of the Bulge & The Rhine: Peter Lovett

    FROM D-DAY TO THE RHINE – THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF WW2 PARATROOPER PETER LOVETTAt 101 years old, Peter Lovett is one of the last surviving members of a generation who fought through some of the most brutal battles of the Second World War.In this very special episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast, Chris Binch sits down with Peter to hear his extraordinary story of courage, sacrifice and brotherhood.Peter landed on Juno Beach during D-Day, serving with No. 7 Assault Beach Group before volunteering for the legendary 9th Parachute Battalion.His remarkable military career took him through the fighting in Normandy, the freezing conditions of the Battle of the Bulge, and the historic airborne assault across the Rhine during Operation Varsity.On VE Day, Peter was in Germany, where he encountered Soviet forces at Wismar. His service didn't end with the war. He went on to serve in Palestine, Germany, Cyprus and Egypt before beginning another chapter of his life as a police officer.Peter speaks openly about the realities of war, losing comrades, close encounters with death, and the professionalism and brotherhood that made the Parachute Regiment what it was.These aren't stories from a history book. This is history told by a man who lived it.It was an absolute honour to sit down with Peter, not just as a podcast host, but as a former Paratrooper meeting one of the men who helped forge the regiment's legendary reputation.Every Man an Emperor.Please like, share and subscribe to The Old Paratrooper Podcast to help preserve the stories of this extraordinary generation.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas#PeterLovett #WW2 #ParachuteRegiment #DDay #BattleOfTheBulge #OperationVarsity #MilitaryHistory #TheOldParatrooperPodcast

  4. Oct 11

    Tony Long: Armed Policing, Fatal Shootings & the Trial That Changed His Life

    Seconds to make a life-or-death decision. Years to answer for it.Former Metropolitan Police firearms officer Tony Long joins The Old Paratrooper Podcast to discuss his career in armed policing, the shootings that left three people dead, and the decade-long legal ordeal that ended with his acquittal at the Old Bailey.From his childhood and early ambitions to brutal Hendon training, foot patrols and the world of the SPG, Tony describes his journey from naïve recruit to trusted “thief taker” and firearms officer.00:00 — Meet Tony Long02:21 — A surprising family discovery05:48 — Joining the Metropolitan Police12:12 — Hendon: old-school police training18:55 — From detective ambitions to firearms27:01 — Early days on the streets40:14 — Informants and police intelligence53:57 — Dark humor under pressure59:08 — Joining the firearms unit75:26 — The Northolt siege89:07 — The armed robbery operation103:39 — The mental switch before a shift115:51 — The operation that led to trial129:53 — Split-second decisions, judged later139:55 — The Old Bailey trial and acquittal149:31 — Lethal Force and final reflectionsWe explore:• Firearms training in the 1970s and 80s• Informants, intelligence and policing before modern technology• Fear, respect and dark humour within old-school police culture• The pressure of deciding whether to pull the trigger• Investigations, a murder trial and the lasting mental tollBlunt and unfiltered, Tony shares his perspective on lethal force, accountability and living with decisions that cannot be undone.📖 Tony Long’s memoir, Lethal Force, is available on Amazon.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lethal-Force-Life-Controversial-Marksman/dp/1785033948Subscribe to The Old Paratrooper Podcast for honest conversations with veterans, emergency responders and people whose experiences deserve to be heard.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas #police

  5. Oct 4

    SAS Rusty Firmin:On his new book"Aftermath",Gaza, war crimes, walter mitty's & Veterans homelessness

    ⚠️ The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Old Paratrooper Podcast. ⚠️ SAS veteran and author Rusty Firmin joins me on The Old Paratrooper Podcast to discuss his new book, “Aftermath”, and some difficult topics that deserve an honest conversation. We cover Gaza, war crimes, veterans’ homelessness, Walter Mittys and conspiracies. We also ask what more can be done to stop those who served ending up on the streets. A straight-talking conversation with room for challenging views and different perspectives. Watch the full episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Another huge episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast.Real people. Real experiences. No b******t. 02:23 — Rusty Firmin: Life, Service & New Book 05:25 — Inside SAS: Aftermath 08:13 — From Military Service to Security Work 11:29 — Military Life, Loss & Moving Forward 14:29 — Stolen Valour and False Claims 17:26 — Veteran Homelessness and Support 21:30 — Media, Misinformation & Trust 24:15 — Global Conflict and Competing Narratives 29:15 — The Gaza Situation 42:24 — Questioning Historical Events 45:53 — Conspiracies, Power and Public Perception 48:25 — Truth, Belief and Speaking Freely 51:12 — Social Media and Control 53:44 — Technology, Young People and Mental Health 59:19 — Preparing for a Digital-First Future 63:23 — Veterans, Accountability and Service 75:52 — The Reality of Military Operations Book Available below https://www.rusty-firmin.com/shop Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below. https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation. https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch #veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas

  6. Sep 27

    TIM SPICER: The Untold Story of SAS Founding Father Brian Franks: The Axe and the Balloon

    Tim Spicer joins The Old Paratrooper Podcast to discuss his new book, The Axe and the Balloon, exploring the remarkable life and legacy of Brian Franks one of the founding fathers of the SAS.In this episode, Tim takes us into the world of the early Special Air Service and the man behind a story that deserves to be far better known.From wartime service and the formative years of the SAS to the character, leadership and experiences that shaped Brian Franks, Tim reveals the research and stories behind the book and explains why he wanted to bring Franks' life to a new generation.It's a conversation about soldiering, leadership, history, sacrifice and the origins of one of the world's most famous special forces units.🎙️ Tim Spicer on Brian Franks and The Axe and the Balloon.The Old Paratrooper PodcastReal people. Real stories. No b******t.🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, special forces operators and extraordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives.Get hold of Tim's book on the link belowhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Axe-Four-Balloons-Biography-Everymans/dp/1999589173/ref=asc_df_1999589173?mcid=051b534769d73274a488927d69f161cd&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=795367046375&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10194214930364462762&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046393&hvtargid=pla-2505137101354&psc=1&hvocijid=10194214930364462762-1999589173-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas#TimSpicer #BrianFranks #SAS #SpecialAirService #TheAxeAndTheBalloon #SpecialForces #MilitaryHistory #BritishArmy #TheOldParatrooperPodcast

  7. Sep 26

    We learned too late - three deaths exposed the cost of bad planning: Chris Ryan reflects.

    FULL EPISODE BELOW https://open.spotify.com/episode/6fTtoyZ4BecXDZ8uBpwtCN?si=b8b4c13b45634ede The hardest lessons in war are the ones bought with lives. Chris Ryan reflects on the patrols that went wrong, the SOPs that were broken to get troops on the ground in Iraq, and the brutal cost of learning from failure too late.Chris Ryan is one of the most recognised names to come out of the SAS. From covert operations and life behind enemy lines to the reality of serving in one of the world's most elite special forces units, he shares stories and insights that have never been told publicly before.In this exclusive episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast, Chris opens up about his military career, survival, leadership, resilience, and reveals moments he's never discussed in any previous interview or podcast. This is a rare, honest conversation with one of Britain's most iconic soldiers.Check out his book on the link below.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breakout-breakneck-2026-thriller-bestselling/dp/1838779841/ref=asc_df_1838779841?mcid=7397fdd1e2633714a29aeacfed1c3ca6&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=797309076872&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12699108331387211369&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9213842&hvtargid=pla-2500422134114&psc=1&hvocijid=12699108331387211369-1838779841-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=4Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas

  8. Sep 25

    How SAS: Who Dares Wins Became Bigger in America and Britain.

    FULL EPISODE BELOW https://open.spotify.com/episode/3OaGtrHNkJJYZ4YkjS4xrM?si=ffb1ce7573244b03 Billy B shares why Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test is gaining traction in the US, how SAS: Who Dares Wins has continued to evolve over its 10 years, and why younger audiences are tuning in. He also previews the upcoming British season and teases a new twist. A behind-the-scenes conversation about the growth and staying power of a reality TV format on both sides of the Atlantic.Ex-Military? Struggling with hearing? Left after 1987? Click below to see if you're eligible for compensation. 👇👇👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch/If you are struggling with your mental health and thinking about hurting yourself, the links below may help. It's good to talk.https://veteransvolunteerservice.org.uk/https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/mental-health-helplines/https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=oneboxWhatever you're going through, call them free any time, from any phone, on 116 123🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, special forces operators and extraordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas #deltaforce

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A no frills podcast, just an ex Paratrooper, mercenary and firefighter chatting to a wide variety and diverse range of guests. From actors to sports personalities to military guests and veterans covering a multitude of topics from there careers ,life in general to how people cope with various forms of mental health. Sometimes funny , sometimes emotional but hopefully entertaining and something people can relate to. https://youtube.com/@theoldparatrooperpodcast?si=lehGKUW0MlvaiRl6

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